The James Jones Trophy for 'New Commercial Woodland' at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards has been won by the new planting at Glen Orchy,

This was a joint project between Forestry Commission Scotland and Tilhill. The awards were presented at The Royal Highland Show on Friday, 20th June.

The Glen Orchy project was described by the judges as

" ...a well-designed and strategically important scheme...the quality and growth rates of the young trees of all species are impressively consistent. The objectives are clearly being achieved and the combination of Forestry Commission’s appropriate design and the high quality establishment carried out by Tillhill is working well. In fact there is no doubt that the design of this scheme will benefit the wider visual impact of forests in the glen."

Commenting on the award David Leslie, General Harvesting Manager at James Jones, said:

"It is vital for the future of the forestry industry in Scotland that new commercial planting continues to thrive, and we are pleased to be able to present the James Jones Trophy to such an excellent scheme . Pinewoods are often simply regarded as Native habitat woodlands but are a hugely important part of our commercial forestry resource. It is essential that we maintain the commercial element of both our existing, and any new pine woodlands to achieve true multi-purpose sustainable woodlands. This scheme is a good demonstration of how this can be achieved”


David Leslie of James Jones presenting the James Jones trophy

David Leslie (centre) of James Jones presents the James Jones Trophy to

Left – Ross Buchanan of UPM Tilhill

Right – Andy Hunt of Forestry Commission Scotland